Page 114 of Scalebound

It was the first time in my life that I felt free, happy, and complete. I didn’t feel like a hidden Scaleborne anymore. I was no longer Scalebound, but Scalefree.

1.Waimanimet (Way-mawn-imet): Abner’s dragon

2.Tanaleiiman (Taw-naw-lee-mawn): Luella’s dragon

Epilogue

One month later.

Twirling the knife Damian had given me that I retrieved once the plague of the Deathlies was gone, I asked, “Clemmy, how has the search been for the Scaleborne trades?” Warmth filled my bones watching those that I loved all gathered in one room, open to whoever would like to participate in our meetings–Scalekind or humans. “Oh! And have you been able to go back to get the golden egg?”

The oak-wooden table was large enough to fit twenty of us comfortably. Sconces filled with lights adorned the outer layers of the room with the main source of our light bleeding in through the draped satin off-white curtains that were parted in the middle with a large bow, tying to the sides of the walls.

Clemmy’s hair had grown out since the events with the Deathlies. It was past her shoulders and she had shaved one side, creating lime green fuzz where her long hair used to drape. “We have found another group in Sicik that we put a stop to.We have captured all of the men that we knew of who were involved and have them in the cells for questioning. Tobias is putting together a group of knights to do the questioning and to see if they can learn more about any other whereabouts for other groups that may be involved.

“And unfortunately, the island of Manem is completely gone. The egg must’ve gone underwater with it as the island collapsed in on itself from the power of the dragon gates.”

“Thank you,” I responded. “Angie, any updates on Abner and the Sardan Kingdom?”

“It’s not looking very good. They are not as allowing or perceptive to the idea of combining forces with Scalekind. There have been riots and even rumors of potential war.”

“Why are you just speaking of this now?”

“I just received a letter today with this information from Abner. There are plots of even having him killed. There was a reason they kicked him out of the first place and why they didn’t want a bastard in the kingdom, let alone a Scaleborne bastard.”

“Work with Tobias on this. I know he has connections to the dark parts of the Sardan Kingdom. Let’s see which of the rumors are true. Have Abner retreat if he feels unsafe there. Let’s reconvene and make more plans on how to build our alliance with the Sardan Kingdom.”

GG went to say something, but I cut her off. “No, I am not marrying Abner’s stepbrother, the prince, to build our alliance. Please come up with some other plans.” There was an array of nodding from the group who worked with GG, signaling that they understood.

“Loker, what villages have you yet to visit with the dragons?”

“The last would be Zodac and Shamla, Lia.”

“Good. Are you in need of any resources?”

“No, My Highness,” he said, winking. It took me by surprise and made me giggle. “But I do have a letter from Tobias.He is out searching for the Sorcerer.” He placed the enclosed envelope, and slid it to reach me at my seat, the ends of it frail and yellow.

Picking it up, I opened it, reading the parchment that it beheld.“Myself as well as ten other men have been working with my connection who is a bartender. He has been leading people to work with Tybalt in hopes that we can catch him and to put an end to the chaos he has been creating and to get what he deserves. No luck yet, but I will provide another update soon.”

Looking over to Loker, he nodded, confirming that Tobias was telling the truth, and that he was still proving himself trustworthy.

“Anything else of importance for our meeting?” I glanced over at Damian and he was smirking at me. Everyone shook their heads, signaling that they had nothing else to share. “Great! We will reconvene at the start ofNesaiman1.” Chairs scraped backward as all of the counselors left, preparing to work on their next tasks.

I swiped at the sweat trickling down my brow. “Rasandrea2?” Damian asked inSatas Lerma. I found it very sexy that he was learning the scaled language. I taught him when I could, but the rest he learned on his own time, mostly just for me.

“Ready,” I repeated.

***

We made our way to where the nest of the Deathlies sat one month ago. The majority of the grass and trees were still dead from the original disease, but we had done lots of work to regrow new plants and foliage to make it feel more alive. The trees split up with small sprouts and leaves, waiting to be turned into something beautiful. Small flower buds out-poured from thestems, tightly fastened, but ready for the right moment to open up, and to face the warmth of the beaming sky.

“You’re not going to believe it!” GG proclaimed, excitement filling her voice. She made each of us cover our eyes so that she could show us the surprise project that she had been working on. It was in the same area as the nights that we camped out when we went to visit the Deathlies. “Okay! Open your eyes!” We uncovered our masks and opened our eyes to find a large building built from reddened brick towering before us.

“What is it?” Clemmy asked.

“I now present to you, The Luella School for Orphans!” I could feel my hands rising to my cheeks in awe.

“You did this? For Luella?” I asked, unbelief in my voice.

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